For many Americans, views of offensive speech aren’t necessarily clear-cut
65% of Americans say that people being too easily offended is a major problem; 53% say the same about people saying offensive things to others.
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65% of Americans say that people being too easily offended is a major problem; 53% say the same about people saying offensive things to others.
We asked respondents in both countries to, in their own words, define what democracy means to them. Most commonly, people mention three broad concepts: freedom and human rights, elections and procedures, and having a voice in government.
As democratic nations have wrestled with economic, social and geopolitical upheaval in recent years, the future of liberal democracy has come into question. Our international surveys reveal key insights into how citizens think about democratic governance.
Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.
Most people view their own government’s record on personal freedoms more favorably than they do when it comes to the U.S. and especially China.
The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
Those on the political right are more likely to say there should have been fewer public activity restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
57% of Americans view voting as “a fundamental right for every adult U.S. citizen and should not be restricted in any way.”
Nearly two-thirds of Hindus (64%) in India say it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian, our survey found.
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